Baird gets nod at Streamwood

When Nick Baird jumped into the softball coaching circle last year he didn't think it was going to last long.

Now, Baird wouldn't even think of not coaching softball. His love for the game and his coaching ability have landed him the head coaching job at Streamwood, it was announced Monday.

"When (former coach) Lindsay (Mulay) brought me in last year," I didn't think I'd like it very much," said Baird, a 2000 Streamwood grad who was a catcher for the Sabres' baseball team when it was coached by current athletic director Steve Gertz.

"But I love it. Softball is such an aggressive game. There's so much more bunting and stealing. That's what I want from this program, aggressive softball."

Gertz is certainly sold on the former Sabre standout as a coach to lead the Sabres to greater heights. The program did turn around somewhat, winning 15 games last season. Mulay resigned to take a teaching and softball coaching position at Downers Grove South.

"Coach Baird has the experience, passion, motivation and competitive edge that will help our program continue to grow," Gertz said in a faxed statement Monday. "Coach Baird has a plan that we believe will bring a winning program to SHS."

Baird currently works in Streamwood's In School Intervention Program and also coaches football and wrestling. He was the JV softball coach in 2007. He is a graduate of NIU.

"As a student-athlete he played baseball and football for four years at Streamwood and wrestled for two years.

Coach Baird has always been a leader," Gertz said. "He has a strong work ethic and cares very strongly about the school and community."

Baird, who credited coaches Rene Vasquez and Rob Wise for helping him learn the different aspects of softball, says he couldn't be happier.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of the Streamwood coaching staff," he said. "Streamwood is home to me and hopefully I can bring a winner here."